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Shadow Sun #3
Rebellion
The one year Stabilization period has ended, and the aliens are colonizing earth! Allistor and his people have prepared as well as possible, and now they'll find out if it was enough.
In this third book of the Shadow Sun series, Earth's survivors continue to fight for their lives, and to reclaim as much of the earth as they can for the human race. More than one alien faction threatens their existence, while others prove to be staunch allies. Allistor and company learn more about the system, its mechanics and politics, and take the first step in bringing the fight to their enemies off-world!
In this third book of the Shadow Sun series, Earth's survivors continue to fight for their lives, and to reclaim as much of the earth as they can for the human race. More than one alien faction threatens their existence, while others prove to be staunch allies. Allistor and company learn more about the system, its mechanics and politics, and take the first step in bringing the fight to their enemies off-world!
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2019
801 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Dave Willmarth
31 books628 followersDave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
November 12, 2021
BAH! This was so bittersweet... but when it comes to protecting your own, there's very little choice that you can make.
Imma destroy them mofos for the people I love and care about.
Imma destroy them mofos for the people I love and care about.
October 7, 2019
Remove the Litrpg tag
In no way does this deserve the title lit rpg, the author barely mentions the stats or how they change the characters. Also skill evolutions are mentioned but never followed up on, author doesn't describe loot after fights at all ECT. The book itself is decently written, if a little repetitive and easy to predict.
In no way does this deserve the title lit rpg, the author barely mentions the stats or how they change the characters. Also skill evolutions are mentioned but never followed up on, author doesn't describe loot after fights at all ECT. The book itself is decently written, if a little repetitive and easy to predict.
April 18, 2020
So this one went south fast.
This series has a lot of potential but failed to follow through. The main character was good enough when he was just fighting for survival in a stronghold but start to acquire real power and he fails miserably at being a leader. His overreacting at every unavoidable death, his taking blame for every choice as if he is some all powerful god. It gets old quick. And once he gets rich you no longer care what happens, everyone can heal, anything can be bought and anything can be regenerated. The story balance, the character balance it all fell apart in this one.
This series has a lot of potential but failed to follow through. The main character was good enough when he was just fighting for survival in a stronghold but start to acquire real power and he fails miserably at being a leader. His overreacting at every unavoidable death, his taking blame for every choice as if he is some all powerful god. It gets old quick. And once he gets rich you no longer care what happens, everyone can heal, anything can be bought and anything can be regenerated. The story balance, the character balance it all fell apart in this one.
October 17, 2019
Yes! More please
This series continues to deliver entertainment. Less settlement building then the previous ones, this book tends to focus a lot more on the action scenes and the going ons and development of the happenings at the end of the last book.
A really good explanation of the change back to fantasy-ish is also present. A really good blend of the genres.
Pick it up.
This series continues to deliver entertainment. Less settlement building then the previous ones, this book tends to focus a lot more on the action scenes and the going ons and development of the happenings at the end of the last book.
A really good explanation of the change back to fantasy-ish is also present. A really good blend of the genres.
Pick it up.
January 1, 2022
Frustrating series. I quite enjoyed the premise and setup but found the series hopelessly inconsistent. Some spoilers ahead.
One core issue is that we see the MC's accomplishments in isolation, like nobody in the rest of the world is really doing or accomplishing anything within their easy grasp as well. A single park ranger can grant enough land to make him a Prince (not even dwelling on this point) and there is no other scenario on the entire planet where someone can justify similar land ownership for themselves? The MC gains access to gold depositories (again, not dwelling on the value of gold) and there are no similar sources of wealth in the rest of the world?
Skills and classes are mentioned but really seem to have no tangible impact and really are just a reflection of what people did in the past lives or what crafting profession they chose since. Oh, and Cooking. There are very few instances where people around the MC seem to be growing into their classes and learning interesting new abilities; the best example of his was Nancy, I think, whose Grow spell got fancier in an earlier book.
Stats are mentioned frequently but don't really seem to have much of an impact. The MC is a "battlemage" (I think - his class has so little relevance or mention that I struggle to recall it) and ironically the only stat mentioned often is his amazing Strength, which should be eclipsed manyfold by anyone with a remotely physical build by this point. Where are the high strength, high dexterity, high stamina builds?
Levels feels like they are just decoration and assigned arbitrarily. They convey no actual sense of strength or threat. The MC has fought mid-teen level mobs at low level, the same level and at twice their level and the ease of the fight appeared to have no correlation whatsoever with the level of the mob.
The absolutely worst aspect is, of course, the wealth. Again, not dwelling on the stupidity of the value of precious metals to space faring aliens. The MC gains access to effectively infinite money and the series just crashes at this point because the MC has to act spectacularly stupid to offset the impossible power up he just got. He doesn't "remember" that he can upgrade his strongholds defensively, he only buys a few weapon upgrades, he doesn't buy any personal shields, communication devices, aircraft ... he's handicapped by not setting up teleporters everywhere right away only for us to learn that buying more capacity is actually dirt cheap. Then he decides to finally buy some COMBAT ROBOTS ... and buys 5,000 of them. Then brings like 3 with him on his next dungeon dive, still insists on "tanking" and only Prime's insistence on tagging along with him saves his life.
In the end, though, it was the erratic and inconsistent writing that had me pull the ripcord at 33%. From using his prisoners as live fish bait, to having teenage girls murder them in cold blood to power level, to being shot in the chest yet again (with still NO protections beyond plot armor), to the wtf moment where the nice aliens draw and quarter the guy ... it was all just too much.
One core issue is that we see the MC's accomplishments in isolation, like nobody in the rest of the world is really doing or accomplishing anything within their easy grasp as well. A single park ranger can grant enough land to make him a Prince (not even dwelling on this point) and there is no other scenario on the entire planet where someone can justify similar land ownership for themselves? The MC gains access to gold depositories (again, not dwelling on the value of gold) and there are no similar sources of wealth in the rest of the world?
Skills and classes are mentioned but really seem to have no tangible impact and really are just a reflection of what people did in the past lives or what crafting profession they chose since. Oh, and Cooking. There are very few instances where people around the MC seem to be growing into their classes and learning interesting new abilities; the best example of his was Nancy, I think, whose Grow spell got fancier in an earlier book.
Stats are mentioned frequently but don't really seem to have much of an impact. The MC is a "battlemage" (I think - his class has so little relevance or mention that I struggle to recall it) and ironically the only stat mentioned often is his amazing Strength, which should be eclipsed manyfold by anyone with a remotely physical build by this point. Where are the high strength, high dexterity, high stamina builds?
Levels feels like they are just decoration and assigned arbitrarily. They convey no actual sense of strength or threat. The MC has fought mid-teen level mobs at low level, the same level and at twice their level and the ease of the fight appeared to have no correlation whatsoever with the level of the mob.
The absolutely worst aspect is, of course, the wealth. Again, not dwelling on the stupidity of the value of precious metals to space faring aliens. The MC gains access to effectively infinite money and the series just crashes at this point because the MC has to act spectacularly stupid to offset the impossible power up he just got. He doesn't "remember" that he can upgrade his strongholds defensively, he only buys a few weapon upgrades, he doesn't buy any personal shields, communication devices, aircraft ... he's handicapped by not setting up teleporters everywhere right away only for us to learn that buying more capacity is actually dirt cheap. Then he decides to finally buy some COMBAT ROBOTS ... and buys 5,000 of them. Then brings like 3 with him on his next dungeon dive, still insists on "tanking" and only Prime's insistence on tagging along with him saves his life.
In the end, though, it was the erratic and inconsistent writing that had me pull the ripcord at 33%. From using his prisoners as live fish bait, to having teenage girls murder them in cold blood to power level, to being shot in the chest yet again (with still NO protections beyond plot armor), to the wtf moment where the nice aliens draw and quarter the guy ... it was all just too much.
January 21, 2020
4.5 Stars
October 1, 2019
This book made me question my memory of enjoying the previous two. I found myself asking, was the MC always this weak?(Specifically this came to mind first during giving 20% of loot for good vibes, and cemented during the scene in D.C.) Were the supporting characters always this annoying?(All of the humans.) I wrote more and deleted it.
November 9, 2019
Great continuation
The story flows well and the action escalated as ambitious goals are set.
The African swallow, what can I say but that question has been at least been answered.
The story flows well and the action escalated as ambitious goals are set.
The African swallow, what can I say but that question has been at least been answered.
October 13, 2021
Review of Books 1-5
One of the best series in the genre that I binge read all 5 books within a week. Set in Earth in a post apocalyptic setting where the planet has been assimilated into "universal collective" and more than 90% of population has been wiped out. New and mutated monster's roam the planet, a new system of stats and skills are made available to survivors. It's chaos everywhere. We follow the MC, Allistor who uses his experience as gamer to survive and help others survive and eventually rise to position of strength.
The world building is excellent. We have the right amount of information to feel like we are part of the new monstrous world. The prose is subtle enough that we feel the flight of the survivors and get the adrenalin rush as they go about their survival. Right blend of action, adventure and emotive content to make it all come together realistically. The magic system is unique and refreshing and use of vortex was innovative and gripping. The plot then escalates to intergalactic proportions as events on Earth have a ripple effect through the galaxy and the events there have a immediate impact on Earth.
I was not a fan of use of Norse mythology in here. Maybe I because a bit jaded because of Marvel, but felt a purer fantasy setting would have been better. The character development also left a bit to be desired. Though the progression of the MC was captivating none of the other characters were developed sufficiently to add color to the background.
Those niggles aside, this is a brilliant read, that I'd happily recommend to fans of this genre!
One of the best series in the genre that I binge read all 5 books within a week. Set in Earth in a post apocalyptic setting where the planet has been assimilated into "universal collective" and more than 90% of population has been wiped out. New and mutated monster's roam the planet, a new system of stats and skills are made available to survivors. It's chaos everywhere. We follow the MC, Allistor who uses his experience as gamer to survive and help others survive and eventually rise to position of strength.
The world building is excellent. We have the right amount of information to feel like we are part of the new monstrous world. The prose is subtle enough that we feel the flight of the survivors and get the adrenalin rush as they go about their survival. Right blend of action, adventure and emotive content to make it all come together realistically. The magic system is unique and refreshing and use of vortex was innovative and gripping. The plot then escalates to intergalactic proportions as events on Earth have a ripple effect through the galaxy and the events there have a immediate impact on Earth.
I was not a fan of use of Norse mythology in here. Maybe I because a bit jaded because of Marvel, but felt a purer fantasy setting would have been better. The character development also left a bit to be desired. Though the progression of the MC was captivating none of the other characters were developed sufficiently to add color to the background.
Those niggles aside, this is a brilliant read, that I'd happily recommend to fans of this genre!
May 23, 2020
I know that this is the book that almost wasn't published and after reading I can see why, because it requires a bit of a leap of imagination BUT i think that if you are willing to go with the author it leads good places. I am glad that the author decided to publish this because I feel that it will make the larger leaps the story keeps kind of hinting at, more manageable rather than feeling horribly forced later on. Further, this story is seeded with a lot of potential loose ends and food for new arcs that seem like they'll be neat to hunt back down in other books.
April 13, 2020
A bit contrived, but decent addition overall
I really don’t understand the need for Allistor feeling bad for kicking ungrateful people out. Especially when this is a post apocalyptic world smh. Worse, his “princess” Amanda, makes him feel guilty for his perfectly reasonable reactions to provocations from strangers. Also, waaaaaaaay too many characters are introduced and the author keeps going back to them with silly jokes but not sufficiently enough for the reader to match names to characters. For these reasons I would give this book a 3.5 star if I could.
I really don’t understand the need for Allistor feeling bad for kicking ungrateful people out. Especially when this is a post apocalyptic world smh. Worse, his “princess” Amanda, makes him feel guilty for his perfectly reasonable reactions to provocations from strangers. Also, waaaaaaaay too many characters are introduced and the author keeps going back to them with silly jokes but not sufficiently enough for the reader to match names to characters. For these reasons I would give this book a 3.5 star if I could.
July 15, 2023
** Edit 15th July 2023 **
For the second book in a row, I have to move the original star rating down a notch on a subsequent re-read. The reasons are similar as well. The premise is no longer that novel to me any longer and as a result, we are left with the storytelling to hold my interest, and there are serious issues here (beyond what is laid out in the review below).
The action continues to be pretty pointless in the grand scheme of things. It feels like it is there because the author doesn't have confidence in the empire-building side of the story to hold people's interest. You can comfortably skip the action and not miss anything of the story itself, and that's a bad thing to say about any part of a novel as every word should be essential.
The other new issue I have is one of over-concentrating on the details. The author could do with taking a step back from the minutia of every deal, fight and event in this series and focus more on just telling the story. We don't need to see every transaction in Allistor's empire to understand that there's a lot going on. In fact, I'd rather not see that. I'm comfortable with a couple of months of time jumping with Allistor looking back on some completed goals rather than going through completing each goal in detail. Doing that would allow the author to focus on the things that matter rather than every little thing, thereby speeding up the pace of the story.
Overall I enjoyed it, but not nearly as much as the below review suggests. 3-stars.
** Original Review **
I really love this series, as is proved by how much enjoyment I got from this book in spite of some pretty major issues I had with it. It continues to be a fun, upbeat take on something that easily could have been dark and extremely grim. It's a story filled with hope and idealism, and I appreciate that as even in the darkest of circumstances, there's always room to point out what is good about people and life in general. It's something that we should probably be heeding more in our daily lives.
However, like I said I do have some problems with it:
1 - The economic system - For the last two books this was less of an issue because the story was all about surviving a world full of monsters and finding a way for humanity to thrive. Set against a post-apocalyptic world, an economic system making sense didn't really matter on a daily basis. Allistor was also constantly taking caches of gold to level up his wealth, which at least explained away how he was getting so much money and why he didn't have to worry about it in the short term.
However, now the story has opened up to an intergalactic level with insanely rich and powerful people in existence who assumingly have healthy societies funding them. Setting Allistor up as a man with limitless wealth when he doesn't even own a fraction of his planet, takes no taxes from the people he rules over, is quickly running out of caches of gold to liberate, and is constantly giving out money to everyone he encounters in ridiculous sums, just doesn't seem believable.
From what the author has explained so far, he has earned himself hundreds of billions of klax. However, he's spending that klax as though they have a similar monetary value to a US dollar (either that or he's drastically overpaying wages). You only need to look at the budget of a modern country to know that those billions aren't going to last that long in the grand scheme of things. Granted, he doesn't have the number of citizens of a modern country, but he is starting his empire up from scratch with everything having to be bought new. When he keeps giving away his money like it's nothing and not setting up deals so that he at least shares a percentage of the profits of the people he's investing in, then he's going to run out of that money really fast.
Money doesn't last forever, and the story needs to start thinking about that.
2 - Allistor over-reaching - Compared to the rest of the universe in this story, humans are a backwards race that has only recently started levelling up. Therefore some of the actions Allistor takes in this book, especially at the end, seem really unrealistic. I like the pacing of the story so I don't want to mock this, but maybe the author could add in a couple of time jumps here and there to make it look like Allistor isn't going from the equivalent of a toddler when it comes to power and influence to an adult in a really short time.
Verdict
Overall I really loved this book just as I have the other two in the series. I'm eager for the next one, which I'm off to read now, so I'll leave this review here. Yes there are flaws that bug me, but I'm enjoying the hell out of these books and can't wait to read more.
For the second book in a row, I have to move the original star rating down a notch on a subsequent re-read. The reasons are similar as well. The premise is no longer that novel to me any longer and as a result, we are left with the storytelling to hold my interest, and there are serious issues here (beyond what is laid out in the review below).
The action continues to be pretty pointless in the grand scheme of things. It feels like it is there because the author doesn't have confidence in the empire-building side of the story to hold people's interest. You can comfortably skip the action and not miss anything of the story itself, and that's a bad thing to say about any part of a novel as every word should be essential.
The other new issue I have is one of over-concentrating on the details. The author could do with taking a step back from the minutia of every deal, fight and event in this series and focus more on just telling the story. We don't need to see every transaction in Allistor's empire to understand that there's a lot going on. In fact, I'd rather not see that. I'm comfortable with a couple of months of time jumping with Allistor looking back on some completed goals rather than going through completing each goal in detail. Doing that would allow the author to focus on the things that matter rather than every little thing, thereby speeding up the pace of the story.
Overall I enjoyed it, but not nearly as much as the below review suggests. 3-stars.
** Original Review **
I really love this series, as is proved by how much enjoyment I got from this book in spite of some pretty major issues I had with it. It continues to be a fun, upbeat take on something that easily could have been dark and extremely grim. It's a story filled with hope and idealism, and I appreciate that as even in the darkest of circumstances, there's always room to point out what is good about people and life in general. It's something that we should probably be heeding more in our daily lives.
However, like I said I do have some problems with it:
1 - The economic system - For the last two books this was less of an issue because the story was all about surviving a world full of monsters and finding a way for humanity to thrive. Set against a post-apocalyptic world, an economic system making sense didn't really matter on a daily basis. Allistor was also constantly taking caches of gold to level up his wealth, which at least explained away how he was getting so much money and why he didn't have to worry about it in the short term.
However, now the story has opened up to an intergalactic level with insanely rich and powerful people in existence who assumingly have healthy societies funding them. Setting Allistor up as a man with limitless wealth when he doesn't even own a fraction of his planet, takes no taxes from the people he rules over, is quickly running out of caches of gold to liberate, and is constantly giving out money to everyone he encounters in ridiculous sums, just doesn't seem believable.
From what the author has explained so far, he has earned himself hundreds of billions of klax. However, he's spending that klax as though they have a similar monetary value to a US dollar (either that or he's drastically overpaying wages). You only need to look at the budget of a modern country to know that those billions aren't going to last that long in the grand scheme of things. Granted, he doesn't have the number of citizens of a modern country, but he is starting his empire up from scratch with everything having to be bought new. When he keeps giving away his money like it's nothing and not setting up deals so that he at least shares a percentage of the profits of the people he's investing in, then he's going to run out of that money really fast.
Money doesn't last forever, and the story needs to start thinking about that.
2 - Allistor over-reaching - Compared to the rest of the universe in this story, humans are a backwards race that has only recently started levelling up. Therefore some of the actions Allistor takes in this book, especially at the end, seem really unrealistic. I like the pacing of the story so I don't want to mock this, but maybe the author could add in a couple of time jumps here and there to make it look like Allistor isn't going from the equivalent of a toddler when it comes to power and influence to an adult in a really short time.
Verdict
Overall I really loved this book just as I have the other two in the series. I'm eager for the next one, which I'm off to read now, so I'll leave this review here. Yes there are flaws that bug me, but I'm enjoying the hell out of these books and can't wait to read more.
April 1, 2020
Okay concept but not thought through properly
I don't really like LitRPG but this was recommended by Kindle. Anyway the 3 books in the series are easy and quick reads. Like most of the genre, the actual combat becomes repetitive quickly because the LitRPG system takes away from the suspense. The protagonist is a Mary Sue and the entire premise is badly thought out (only one random gamer manages to exploit the system and is always the "first" one to reach a certain status). But they are readable and the author gets points in my book for avoiding the typical harem storyline.
I don't really like LitRPG but this was recommended by Kindle. Anyway the 3 books in the series are easy and quick reads. Like most of the genre, the actual combat becomes repetitive quickly because the LitRPG system takes away from the suspense. The protagonist is a Mary Sue and the entire premise is badly thought out (only one random gamer manages to exploit the system and is always the "first" one to reach a certain status). But they are readable and the author gets points in my book for avoiding the typical harem storyline.
December 23, 2020
This author has no idea how coconuts fall from the tree... This is too funny.
Why yes. Let's take a five year old into battle and jeopardize everyone by having them make sure the girl lives. Of course this is a good idea. When the girl dies or is injured, let's blame everyone else but the mother who brought her into this situation.
I guess the cannibalism the mutants committed was forgiven and forgotten.
Of course the sadist doctor would want them to suffer through as much pain as possible. If she hurts the one she says she loves, what would she do to strangers?
I think this is my last book in this series. I like the author's realistic approach to problems, and the swift dispatching of enemies. No letting someone go to have them come back and kill more of your people.
What I didn't like was the almost child like emotions and behaviour when it came to fighting. I understand the world has been made video-game like, but you are fighting for your life. Making jokes and banter when fighting, instead of looking out for yourself and your fellow man just seems immature.
I also have to laugh at the excuse the author pulled out his ass as to why our protagonist must physically run into danger and have greater possibilities of being killed and maimed (drama).
This was better than Tao Wong's System Apocalypse at the the start of the series, but over these past three books it seems to have lost itself.
2/5/5 Stars
Why yes. Let's take a five year old into battle and jeopardize everyone by having them make sure the girl lives. Of course this is a good idea. When the girl dies or is injured, let's blame everyone else but the mother who brought her into this situation.
I guess the cannibalism the mutants committed was forgiven and forgotten.
Of course the sadist doctor would want them to suffer through as much pain as possible. If she hurts the one she says she loves, what would she do to strangers?
I think this is my last book in this series. I like the author's realistic approach to problems, and the swift dispatching of enemies. No letting someone go to have them come back and kill more of your people.
What I didn't like was the almost child like emotions and behaviour when it came to fighting. I understand the world has been made video-game like, but you are fighting for your life. Making jokes and banter when fighting, instead of looking out for yourself and your fellow man just seems immature.
I also have to laugh at the excuse the author pulled out his ass as to why our protagonist must physically run into danger and have greater possibilities of being killed and maimed (drama).
This was better than Tao Wong's System Apocalypse at the the start of the series, but over these past three books it seems to have lost itself.
2/5/5 Stars
October 10, 2019
Exactly what you have come to expect.
Enjoyed the book a lot and couldn't put it down, so I gave it 5 stars. But it's pretty much what you expect it to be, especially from this author. The MC is very lucky (I feel like his luck stat should be 50), overly generous to the point of making no sense (why bother helping the Secretary?) and still rapidly advancing, while at the same time having way more then necessary guilt at losing people he barely knows. I honestly wish some of his best friends would die so that his extreme guilt makes more sense.
Enjoyed the book a lot and couldn't put it down, so I gave it 5 stars. But it's pretty much what you expect it to be, especially from this author. The MC is very lucky (I feel like his luck stat should be 50), overly generous to the point of making no sense (why bother helping the Secretary?) and still rapidly advancing, while at the same time having way more then necessary guilt at losing people he barely knows. I honestly wish some of his best friends would die so that his extreme guilt makes more sense.
October 1, 2019
So good
Man... this series is so good, Dave Willmarth once again has shown the mastery of his craft with another book in this series that is so full of awesome. Needless to say if you’ve liked the first two books you will love this one. More crafting, more fighting, some alien awesomeness, a grizzly eating some new faces. It has it all, round of applause to Dave for another awesome book. The wait for the 4th instalment starts now...
Man... this series is so good, Dave Willmarth once again has shown the mastery of his craft with another book in this series that is so full of awesome. Needless to say if you’ve liked the first two books you will love this one. More crafting, more fighting, some alien awesomeness, a grizzly eating some new faces. It has it all, round of applause to Dave for another awesome book. The wait for the 4th instalment starts now...
October 2, 2019
Continued brilliance
Continuing on from the previous books nicely, things have ramped up perfectly. The standard of writing and editing made this a pleasure to read.
Crafting makes a nice return, without getting too bogged down in minutiae. Levelling and stats are sprinkled neatly throughout in such a way as to enhance the rapid pace of the story, and not detract from it.
I eagerly await the next book!
Continuing on from the previous books nicely, things have ramped up perfectly. The standard of writing and editing made this a pleasure to read.
Crafting makes a nice return, without getting too bogged down in minutiae. Levelling and stats are sprinkled neatly throughout in such a way as to enhance the rapid pace of the story, and not detract from it.
I eagerly await the next book!
October 13, 2019
Book three
Mistakes: I didn’t find any. Didn’t find a rebellion either, so I think the title is a bit misleading.
Plot: More settlements, dungeon clearing, some crafting, even some fishing, and large scale battles.
Characters: The MC is still likable, but he needs a bit more spine and to stop blaming himself for every death. It was okay in book one, but by this point he should deal with things better.
7/10
Mistakes: I didn’t find any. Didn’t find a rebellion either, so I think the title is a bit misleading.
Plot: More settlements, dungeon clearing, some crafting, even some fishing, and large scale battles.
Characters: The MC is still likable, but he needs a bit more spine and to stop blaming himself for every death. It was okay in book one, but by this point he should deal with things better.
7/10
October 8, 2019
Another amazing story
This is another example of a good story with a great plot and good character development with a satisfying ending. I whole heartedly recommend reading from Start to finish
This is another example of a good story with a great plot and good character development with a satisfying ending. I whole heartedly recommend reading from Start to finish
July 15, 2022
Most of the book is fluff
I can only remember 3 scenes from the whole book. The rest was just background noise and contributed little to the plot or character development. However, I still enjoyed the world building and the further development of the overall system.
I can only remember 3 scenes from the whole book. The rest was just background noise and contributed little to the plot or character development. However, I still enjoyed the world building and the further development of the overall system.
October 1, 2019
Fantastic 3rd book!
Hopefully if you're reading this review you are familiar with Dave Willmarths books and how great they are, and this one is no exception!
Hopefully if you're reading this review you are familiar with Dave Willmarths books and how great they are, and this one is no exception!
July 21, 2022
Mid tier book even worse bc it’s so long for a mid tier
April 30, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
Still an enjoyable series. Each book has been just a little different though. The first book was all about survival. The second book was about claiming as much land as possible. This book deals more with the alien cultures and the title of Prince becomes more important in this one. There are still territory grabs and monster fights, the aliens are just the new element added. This is mainly just a fun ride. There are hardly any setbacks for the MC and he keeps getting more land, more power, and more money. The bad things I talked about in the previous books are still there. Alistor still does a lot of stupid stuff like not investing his stat points right away. He also picks up a lot of rare gear: epic and rare scrolls and never opens them. That is probably the most annoying thing. He picks up an epic scroll, puts it in his bag and I never hear about it again. I am still not emotionally involved with any of the characters. I like them, but I am not attached to them. I don't like the relationship with Alistor and Amanda. I can't recall her ever saying anything nice to him (except maybe when he was very depressed). He gets hurt and almost dies a couple of times and she was more interested in the science behind his healing than actually being worried about him. The new issue I had in this one was the money Overall still an enjoyable series.
Still an enjoyable series. Each book has been just a little different though. The first book was all about survival. The second book was about claiming as much land as possible. This book deals more with the alien cultures and the title of Prince becomes more important in this one. There are still territory grabs and monster fights, the aliens are just the new element added. This is mainly just a fun ride. There are hardly any setbacks for the MC and he keeps getting more land, more power, and more money. The bad things I talked about in the previous books are still there. Alistor still does a lot of stupid stuff like not investing his stat points right away. He also picks up a lot of rare gear: epic and rare scrolls and never opens them. That is probably the most annoying thing. He picks up an epic scroll, puts it in his bag and I never hear about it again. I am still not emotionally involved with any of the characters. I like them, but I am not attached to them. I don't like the relationship with Alistor and Amanda. I can't recall her ever saying anything nice to him (except maybe when he was very depressed). He gets hurt and almost dies a couple of times and she was more interested in the science behind his healing than actually being worried about him. The new issue I had in this one was the money Overall still an enjoyable series.
November 3, 2020
Great book, honestly this series is so great it has made me more excited for it then the Greystone Chronicles. This book even had me sitting thinking about what he should be doing and who he should be offering stuff to. Love the world re-building and the multiple character personalities as well as the twists of who will back stab him or what disaster will befall him. Then the whole alien vs human racism but also the supporting of aliens while clearing dungeons and conquering.
Honestly it's all so amazing. There are somethings that while not negatives are like, Man what are you doing! type stuff. Like, the pentagon? He heard there is a huge citadel there yet he doesn't even ask who is there or go check? Odd! He knows there are more deposits but agrees not to take any of them? He needs to get them before the aliens!
The white house? He should be offering to let her join him, explaining how that no matter what they do, they are going to be ill relevant, they don't have the resources to become a Prince and unless they are one, no Alien is going to care about them and if they want a chance to influence the human race and work with alien then they need to join his faction. After all, offer her a job as Secretary of State for his Nation, let her go and be a diplomat with aliens like the Secretary does for America with other countries. Anyone in power like that would have their worse fear being they couldn't affect things, well explain how they can't unless they join, then they'd be part of the new human race!
Just little things like that where you want to go , but but why don't do that! more backseat driving than negatives.
Honestly great series and can't wait for the next one!
Honestly it's all so amazing. There are somethings that while not negatives are like, Man what are you doing! type stuff. Like, the pentagon? He heard there is a huge citadel there yet he doesn't even ask who is there or go check? Odd! He knows there are more deposits but agrees not to take any of them? He needs to get them before the aliens!
The white house? He should be offering to let her join him, explaining how that no matter what they do, they are going to be ill relevant, they don't have the resources to become a Prince and unless they are one, no Alien is going to care about them and if they want a chance to influence the human race and work with alien then they need to join his faction. After all, offer her a job as Secretary of State for his Nation, let her go and be a diplomat with aliens like the Secretary does for America with other countries. Anyone in power like that would have their worse fear being they couldn't affect things, well explain how they can't unless they join, then they'd be part of the new human race!
Just little things like that where you want to go , but but why don't do that! more backseat driving than negatives.
Honestly great series and can't wait for the next one!
August 27, 2020
Alistor's fame and power grows daily, but it doesn't stop his friends from tormenting him, or his bear from gassing him with noxious farts. But despite all, the world is still in the hands of the alien overlords, and the monsters are a long way from being wiped out.
All around him more aliens arrive to claim pieces of the planet, monsters stalk the cities, and humans try to kill each other for greed and power. As the deaths mount Alistor's heart and soul grow heavy, and his fear for the future increases.
Dave Willmarth has taken LitRPG to a different level, his writing skill is mature, his plots well thought out, if a little predictable. In this series he mashes up traditional role playing game creatures, the mythology of our world, alien invasion concepts and our own technology to create a story line that is fun and well designed. In the current LITRpg world he is a class A writer were so many are still hoping for a C-.
It is not as crunchy as some readers might like, but not everyone wants to hear the character sheet tediously re-stated.
All around him more aliens arrive to claim pieces of the planet, monsters stalk the cities, and humans try to kill each other for greed and power. As the deaths mount Alistor's heart and soul grow heavy, and his fear for the future increases.
Dave Willmarth has taken LitRPG to a different level, his writing skill is mature, his plots well thought out, if a little predictable. In this series he mashes up traditional role playing game creatures, the mythology of our world, alien invasion concepts and our own technology to create a story line that is fun and well designed. In the current LITRpg world he is a class A writer were so many are still hoping for a C-.
It is not as crunchy as some readers might like, but not everyone wants to hear the character sheet tediously re-stated.
March 10, 2020
Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this book nearly as much as the last two.
It seemed i was frustrated with Allistor (and by extension the author) most of the book. He’s supposed to be familiar with the stuff as a “gamer” but has forgotten about basically everything. Doesn’t look at any of his notifications, doesn’t look at loot, doesn’t read any of the fine print. Took him like 6 chapters to remember his barrier spell upgraded and could have been useful. Doesn’t use his most power spells (like summoning).
What’s the point of the classes? He got like one spell that no one else has and everything else is shared among everybody. You’d think there would be more involved. When he took the class it also mentioned what stats to focus on, well Allistor wrote that off and his build is all fucked up. Apparently he forgot he can use magic as per of honorable duels.
It was still good but could have been so much more..
7/10
It seemed i was frustrated with Allistor (and by extension the author) most of the book. He’s supposed to be familiar with the stuff as a “gamer” but has forgotten about basically everything. Doesn’t look at any of his notifications, doesn’t look at loot, doesn’t read any of the fine print. Took him like 6 chapters to remember his barrier spell upgraded and could have been useful. Doesn’t use his most power spells (like summoning).
What’s the point of the classes? He got like one spell that no one else has and everything else is shared among everybody. You’d think there would be more involved. When he took the class it also mentioned what stats to focus on, well Allistor wrote that off and his build is all fucked up. Apparently he forgot he can use magic as per of honorable duels.
It was still good but could have been so much more..
7/10
June 29, 2022
Lit RPG About the best high pressure close combat ever
Five Silver Stars for this high pressure high action series. It is post-apocalyptic fantasy of the Lit RPG sort. I give it five stars because of a bit of extra dimension on the character of our hero and the just glimpses of his many moral dilemmas on his rise to power - and thanks for not beating us over the heads with that! I am somewhat reminded of Henry II as portrayed in Jean Anouilh's Becket when he said something like "Help your friends, destroy your enemies". I really do think this author writes the high pressure close combat stuff better than any I can recall. Sword fighting medal goes to Megan Lindholm aka Robin Hobb. Running and Gunning to Brian and Christine Feehan for Turbulent Sea with a silver to Twilight's Kingdom by Asire. I would like a little more on the ongoing tech and magic crafting I am enjoying it. Scribes and Tailors almost never get mentioned or rewarded. I liked the " use magic thread " thought. It reminded me of when heavy weight knitted polyester blends first came out that were magic like wrinkle free and we are like what the heck kind of thread and stitch does this need.
Five Silver Stars for this high pressure high action series. It is post-apocalyptic fantasy of the Lit RPG sort. I give it five stars because of a bit of extra dimension on the character of our hero and the just glimpses of his many moral dilemmas on his rise to power - and thanks for not beating us over the heads with that! I am somewhat reminded of Henry II as portrayed in Jean Anouilh's Becket when he said something like "Help your friends, destroy your enemies". I really do think this author writes the high pressure close combat stuff better than any I can recall. Sword fighting medal goes to Megan Lindholm aka Robin Hobb. Running and Gunning to Brian and Christine Feehan for Turbulent Sea with a silver to Twilight's Kingdom by Asire. I would like a little more on the ongoing tech and magic crafting I am enjoying it. Scribes and Tailors almost never get mentioned or rewarded. I liked the " use magic thread " thought. It reminded me of when heavy weight knitted polyester blends first came out that were magic like wrinkle free and we are like what the heck kind of thread and stitch does this need.
December 6, 2025
very good BUT: (spoiler alert)
“There was also the standard level up notification for level fifty, and the award of two accompanying attribute points.”
…
He already was level 50
Please don’t do things like this
Some of us actually read your books within intent and wilfully choose to inhabit the world you have created as we read
And (mistakes) that’s too simple of a word (errors) that is also too simple of a word
lazy authors, [who commit this sort of disrespect for their own world creation and Disrespect those who’ve chosen to Grace said Author with their attention}
is quite jarring and to be honest very fucking annoying
…
This is only one example I wouldn’t have said anything except this is probably the 10th one that has jarred me from your world
And yes, it is from the next book in the series not this book, but I had yet to offer/Grace/honour you with a review
“There was also the standard level up notification for level fifty, and the award of two accompanying attribute points.”
…
He already was level 50
Please don’t do things like this
Some of us actually read your books within intent and wilfully choose to inhabit the world you have created as we read
And (mistakes) that’s too simple of a word (errors) that is also too simple of a word
lazy authors, [who commit this sort of disrespect for their own world creation and Disrespect those who’ve chosen to Grace said Author with their attention}
is quite jarring and to be honest very fucking annoying
…
This is only one example I wouldn’t have said anything except this is probably the 10th one that has jarred me from your world
And yes, it is from the next book in the series not this book, but I had yet to offer/Grace/honour you with a review
April 6, 2020
The series lacking an actual real antagonist. So far every battles outcome human will win, without a doubt. So all the battles become boring.
If there is an actual antagonist characters, humans might lost the battle. Then battles will become more unpredictable and suspense.
If the author want to drag the story and revealed the aliens antagonist another five book, at least create a strong human antagonist. Someone strong to challenge Allistor's princedom.
It would be interesting, if few factions merge as a coalition to defy Allistor when he setting up strongholds in Europe/Africa/Asia/Anywhere. Or a faction backed by one of the alien with the goal to conquer Allistor's princedom. Or both of these situations.
If there is an actual antagonist characters, humans might lost the battle. Then battles will become more unpredictable and suspense.
If the author want to drag the story and revealed the aliens antagonist another five book, at least create a strong human antagonist. Someone strong to challenge Allistor's princedom.
It would be interesting, if few factions merge as a coalition to defy Allistor when he setting up strongholds in Europe/Africa/Asia/Anywhere. Or a faction backed by one of the alien with the goal to conquer Allistor's princedom. Or both of these situations.
June 15, 2020
Humanity’s 2nd year definitely had me riveted
Grow stronger, grab land, survive and then thrive, have been the driving factors for Allistor’s work to save what’s left of the human race after well over the “proscribed” 90% announced in the system messages.
A goblin clan initiates a blood feud after attacking twice and failing to defeat Allistor or his citizens.
He has made friends, enemies and begins to see the importance of reputation. As well as the honor seen in melee combat versus all ranged just blasting.
I’m truly enjoying the characters and story, and Allistor is a likable dope at times, but focused violence during raids and defenses. He has made some leaps and missed things which make me like him more, for not being perfect.
Grow stronger, grab land, survive and then thrive, have been the driving factors for Allistor’s work to save what’s left of the human race after well over the “proscribed” 90% announced in the system messages.
A goblin clan initiates a blood feud after attacking twice and failing to defeat Allistor or his citizens.
He has made friends, enemies and begins to see the importance of reputation. As well as the honor seen in melee combat versus all ranged just blasting.
I’m truly enjoying the characters and story, and Allistor is a likable dope at times, but focused violence during raids and defenses. He has made some leaps and missed things which make me like him more, for not being perfect.
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